If you walked on the Quad any time in the last week, you probably noticed that the University has been painted pink. Sayings such as “save second base” and “I love boobies” are plastered across the chests of students, and many RSOs are campaigning for donations.

Looking past all of the fun activities that October brings, the month honors something extremely close to my heart and the hearts of many students.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

We always hear that being diagnosed with cancer not only affects the sick person, but also the people they are closest to. I know this firsthand.

Flashback to high school — my mom was driving me to dance practice, and she said she had something to tell me. It was then she broke the news that my aunt, whom I had grown extremely close with, was diagnosed with breast cancer. 

Being relatively young, I was not completely sure what it all meant, but I did know one thing: It wasn’t fair. 

All I had ever seen her as was a young, healthy mom. I couldn’t fathom the fact that she was sick.

For the next few years I truly learned what it meant to be empathetic and give unconditional support to someone in need, something people should focus on in addition to giving monetary support. 

Far too often when we talk about cancer, we focus on donations, and we forget that giving compassion is just as good as gifts. Regardless of whether you know someone with a disease, you can help by visiting nursing homes or care facilities or even volunteering at hospitals.  

During the years of my aunt’s treatment and recovery, I made it my goal to do everything I could to make her fight easier. Anything from wrapping her Christmas presents to hanging out with her kids, I was willing.

This was one of the first times in my life I fully knew what it was like to be completely selfless and give someone else my complete focus. And it was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.

As college students, we are extremely busy. We never sit down or let ourselves breathe. Because of this, it is easy to unintentionally put ourselves first and not prioritize helping or supporting others.

But my aunt was fighting a ruthless battle. She didn’t feel like herself, and she had to shave her head, yet she still continued with her commitments at home and to her family.

Flash forward to a few years later — I finally got the news I had been waiting for. 

“Your aunt is 100 percent cancer free.”

The previous few years had been overwhelming, scary, stressful and eye-opening, but in the end, my aunt won the battle. She fought breast cancer like a girl, and she won. 

Whether it be breast cancer or another illness, we should embrace the power of empathy. Our loved ones need our support. Whether it be cooking them a meal, baby-sitting their children or even simply paying them a visit to watch their favorite movie, little things make a huge difference.

Just a year ago, I received another phone call. I found out that my grandma was also diagnosed with the disease, but they caught it early so the doctors predicted she would be fine. 

Having already gone through it with my aunt, I offered her the same emotional support. Every time I was home from school, I made it a priority to go see her and provide her with companionship. My grandma has done so much for me over the years, so it was the least I could do for her.

Like I said, a cancer diagnosis not only affects the sick person, it affects everyone they are close to. I am unbelievably lucky that these strong women won their fight because not all are so lucky. I cannot imagine all of the people out there, fighting for their lives, without the same kind of support.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month will always hold a spot in my heart, and I encourage every student on this campus to find a cause they are passionate about and ways to support the people directly affected. Even little things go a long way.

If you know someone who is suffering, please offer them unconditional love and support. Having this support aids in their recovery and healing.

Rebecca is a senior in LAS. She can be reached at [email protected].